The New York Giants are turning to J.J. McCarthy at quarterback after their 34-27 loss to the New Orleans Saints. Acquired from the Minnesota Vikings only 20 days earlier, McCarthy showed promise in relief, throwing for 243 yards and a touchdown despite an interception. His first start for New York comes against a Houston defense eager to exploit any communication or protection problems.
McCarthy’s 9.2% sack rate is a warning sign, standing well above the roughly 6% league average. That makes his pocket awareness and decision-making important against Houston Texans’ pass rush. The Giants could employ rollouts, zone reads and designed quarterback runs to make defenders respect his mobility rather than allowing them to attack the pocket without hesitation.
Edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. leads Houston’s pass rush. Anderson enters Week 7 with an NFL-leading 7.5 sacks, while the Texans have recorded 18 sacks as a team. His explosiveness off the edge, combined with Danielle Hunter’s experience and ability to finish plays, gives Houston a dangerous pairing.
The Texans failed to record a sack against Jacksonville despite winning 34-31. McCarthy’s athleticism means Anderson and Hunter must maintain their rush lanes instead of opening escape routes. If Houston forces him into obvious passing situations, the pressure could lead to sacks, hurried throws and turnovers.
C.J. Stroud Has a Loaded Receiving Corps, but the Run Game Needs Work
The Texans quarterback has thrown for 1,714 yards, nine touchdowns and one interception through six games. He completed 24 of 34 passes for 312 yards and three touchdowns against Jacksonville, earning AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. Houston has won two straight, and Stroud’s growing confidence gives the offense a chance to build on that momentum against the Giants.
Houston’s receiving group now features Nico Collins, Jaylin Noel, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Tank Dell, who is expected to play his first game since suffering a serious knee injury in December 2024. Harrison caught three passes for 34 yards in his Texans debut, while Noel exploded for 107 receiving yards against Jacksonville.
The Texans rank 25th in rushing yards per game, and their offensive line has struggled to generate consistent running lanes. David Montgomery’s groin injury has also increased the workload on Woody Marks, leaving Houston short of its preferred backfield balance. Against a Giants defense allowing 135.5 rushing yards per game, Marks has an opportunity to help Houston control the tempo.
More on the Houston Texans
- Houston Texans RBs Primed for Big Day Against Giants’ Run Defense
- Woody Marks vs. Giants Week 7: Two Expectations for Texans RB With David Montgomery, Jawhar Jordon Sidelined
- Jalen Pitre Injury Update: Texans Safety’s Week 7 Start in Jeopardy
- Jawhar Jordan Injury Update: Why is the Texans RB Placed on Injured List?
